Alex Koukoutsakis sits in the chapter room of the Delta Phi Theta fraternity house at Third and C streets. Out the front window is a view of Central park. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

The Phi Delta Theta house is centrally located at C and Third streets and scores a 94 “walk score.” Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

Parkview Place at Fourth and D streets affords the future residents easy walking distance to parks, restaurants, shopping and entertainment. Future occupant Dick Bourne says, ""When you can just go out the front door with visiting kids, and the park is right there, that's heaven." Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

UC Davis student Ben Chang gets some work done at the Delta Phi Theta house with the hustle and bustle of downtown Davis right outside. Fred Gladdis/Enterprise photo

As demographics shift, designs such as Crepeville, with living space above retail space, appeal to many would-be downtown residents. Greg Rihl/Enterprise file photo

Sue Greenwald, left, plays Scrabble in Central Park with Phillip Seitzer, center, and Daniel Moglen. Says Greenwald of her downtown address, "I think the best part ... is because I am downtown so often I bump into more people I know and that's tremendously fun." Wayne Tilcock/Enterprise file photo